Is There a Difference Between a Regular PC and a Gaming PC Cases?

Can it run Cyberpunk 2077? It's the gamers' go-to testing method. Testing a PC with the most graphically demanding AAA titles is one way to test a PC's performance. However, there are more factors to consider for a gaming PC than just raw performance.

While performance is the key differentiating factor, hardware components, build quality, design, and usage all determine whether a PC build deserves the title of gaming PC. We will address each of these factors individually to help you understand why the term “gaming” significantly impacts the PC and changes its purpose.

Hardware Components: The Core Differences

The first key difference is the hardware inside the PC case. It determines whether a PC is designed for gaming or multitasking.

Processor (CPU): Power for Multitasking vs. Gaming Demands

The CPU is the brain of the PC. It is the key component that enables the PC to perform multiple tasks and complex physics calculations for games. However, brands like Intel and AMD clearly mark their processors for specific tasks with prefixes. Here is a table that defines how suffixes play a role in defining a regular or gaming PC:

For Example:

Gaming Processors: Intel Core i9-14900K & Ryzen 7 9800X3D

Regular Processors: Intel Core i7-12700T

Graphics Card (GPU): Integrated vs. Dedicated Powerhouses

The graphics processing unit processes all the information from the CPU and storage devices, converting it to visuals on a monitor. It is the heart of the gaming desktop PC, and every gamer would spend a significant portion of their budget on buying a high-end gaming graphics card. The GPU can either be installed on a dedicated graphics card or integrated within the CPU.

A gamer would never accept a PC with an integrated GPU as a gaming PC. It's not possible. For a gaming desktop PC, having a dedicated graphics card with the latest GPU is an essential component. In the case of laptops, a dedicated graphics chip (GPU) is often considered a key feature for a gaming laptop.

For Example: Nvidia RTX 5090 and Radeon RX 9060 XT

Memory (RAM) and Storage: Speed and Capacity Variations

Whether you are gaming or using your computer regularly, you need fast RAM and storage. For RAM, features like RGB, large heatsink, and overclocking capability make them gaming-oriented. Whereas a simple RAM with no RGB or heatsink is popular for regular PCs. Moreover, you can tweak timings and increase the frequency of gaming RAMs.

A fast storage device can benefit both a regular PC and a gaming PC, and either would feature the fastest storage device. However, the key difference for a gaming PC is the installation of a heatsink on the storage device to prevent thermal throttling. In gaming, the constant storage device access can cause it to heat up and start reducing its operating speed to prevent heating (thermal throttling). The underperformance can lead to lag in games. In regular PCs, the impact of thermal throttle on work is negligible.

Performance and Capabilities

Now that we know hardware can play a key role in defining a gaming PC and a regular PC. Here are some more factors that can help differentiate between them.

Benchmarking Regular vs. Gaming PCs

A gaming PC with dedicated hardware will eventually perform better in benchmark results for gaming and regular PC tasks. However, it will consume more power to perform the same task as a regular PC. These factors make a regular PC more feasible for office or casual home work.

A benchmark is a series of tests that software runs on a PC to analyze its ability to perform a series of tasks. It will then award points based on the analyzed aspects. Higher points would mean better performance. Here is an example:

A gaming PC would perform better in terms of single-core performance compared to multi-core speed, which is essential for productivity tasks like rendering. In this test, a high-end gaming CPU might score 1500 points in single-core performance compared to an office PC’s 800 points. Similarly, in a GPU-oriented 3D test, the gaming rig could score over 20,000 points while the regular PC, limited by its integrated graphics, barely breaks 2,500 points

Ray Tracing and Realism in Games

Another key differentiating factor between gaming and a regular PC is the ray tracing capability. For a gaming PC, a graphics card capable of handling ray tracing is akin to bringing games closer to realism. It's the ability of the GPU to trace the path of the ray that initiates the source of light. As the ray reflects off of in-game surface, it changes colors. The GPU detects these changes and interactions to provide realistic reflections and color dynamics of light in games. Ray-tracing is a computationally intensive process. It requires a dedicated GPU for execution. Gaming PCs with modern graphics cards will feature ray tracing, making the game challenging to run on a regular PC.

High Refresh Rate Monitors and Smooth Gameplay

A gaming PC would be able to run games at high frame rates, which would require a high refresh rate monitor. Without the high refresh rate, the game would appear blurry during in-game movement.

Refresh rate (Hz) is the number of times per second a monitor can change the screen. A powerful gaming PC would run games at 144 FPS (frames per second). Therefore would need a monitor with a high refresh rate of 120 Hz, 144 Hz, or 240 Hz. A regular PC can work efficiently and effectively on a 60Hz monitor. You may require a dual monitor or a large monitor display for productive work. That is why most regular PCs will feature dual ports for display and support 4K resolution.

Build Quality and Design

Aesthetics, build quality, and design are also differentiating factors between a regular PC and a gaming PC. As gaming PCs focus on premium aesthetics, regular PCs tend to prioritize budget-friendly materials. Here is an in-depth analysis:

Case and Aesthetics: Functionality vs. Flair

Gaming PCs are all about aesthetics. Showcasing the premium hardware while providing a housing for their proper mounting is key in gaming PC cases. They are meant to turn heads. Gaming PC cases like the ESGAMING K06 feature a 270° Full-View Tempered Glass for a clear, unobstructed view of gaming hardware. Moreover, features like high-airflow meshes, water cooling space, filters, tool-free entry, a cable management feature, and a dual chamber design are all designed for gaming.

In comparison, regular PCs do not feature tempered glass. Often, their enclosures are all metal for durability. Moreover, the space inside is tightly packed to ensure space efficiency and air flow.

Cooling Systems: Preventing Overheating in Intense Sessions

The power consumed from the CPU and GPU during gaming sessions can reach 450W - 600W+. It also means that a lot of heat will be released as a result. If we use fans for cooling such a system, they would have to work at high RPMs. In return, it can cause loud noises. Uncless, the fans have high static pressure, and the number of fans installed is high. These are typically the solution for a regular PC.

In gaming PCs, the intense heat requires the installation of a liquid cooling system like the ESGAMING 360 that uses water flowing between the CPU/GPU and radiator. The radiator has a large surface area, so fans running at low RPM remove the heat, reducing the noise and improving gaming performance.

Power Supply

The power requirements of a regular PC are significantly lower than those of a gaming PC. For gaming PCs, it becomes crucial to have a power supply that is efficient and capable of supplying large power for the GPU and CPU. These are typical 750W plus models with 80 PLUS certifications, such as the ESGAMING EFMG1200W, which offers RGB lighting and sufficient power to ensure any gaming PC runs smoothly.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

For buyers, we recommend evaluating your requirements. If you are primarily a programmer or engage in light tasks like typing, research, watching movies, or casual gaming, consider a regular PC. However, for gamers who need performance and aesthetics, a gaming PC with a dedicated graphics card, overclockable RAM, and CPU is essential. Moreover, utilizing high-end PC cases, cooling systems, and power supplies are key gaming PC components that will make your PC truly a gaming PC.